When it first took to the seas in the late 18th century, the U.S. Navy sailed frigates that became famous for their speed and maneuverability, and for the cunning of their commanders.

More than two centuries later, the commanders are just as cunning. But the modern Navy is steadily phasing out the last of its frigates to make room for littoral combat ships, a new type of vessel designed to be faster and more versatile than the ships it will replace.

It’s an historic change. Frigates have been used for everything from fighting the British during the War of 1812 to clearing mines in harbors during the Vietnam War to stalking Soviet submarines during the Cold War.

There are only 28 Perry-class frigates left in the fleet, including six in San Diego. The Navy decided not to modernize the ships, and even removed their missile launchers, a decision that helped make way for the LCS. There will be no frigates left in the Navy by 2017.

“They’re just getting rid of them,” said Eric Wertheim, author of the Naval Institute’s Guide to Combat Fleets of the World. “The ships were neutered when they took off the missiles. The Navy has simply moved on.”

Here are some remembrances from people who served on frigates.

“I am sad to see the frigates get decommissioned but am also proud of what that entire class of ships has accomplished during their service. Frigates could go many places that other ships just simply could not get to due to (the frigate’s) relatively shallow draft. They also ended up being great platforms for counter-narcotics and anti-piracy missions. Also, their capability for carrying two SH-60B helicopters gave them a tremendous surface search capability. Even after the removal of the SM-1 standard missile, they continued to play a vital role in America’s maritime strategy.

I would say that from a shiphandling perspective, the (Perry-class frigate) is absolutely the most enjoyable ship to drive. Although I have only driven frigates, it was quite noticeable seeing officers come from other platforms and have to learn driving the FFG for the first time. It took them a little while to learn all the nuances, but once they did, most enjoyed driving the FFG.

Cmdr. Ed Bray, currently deployed as an assistant reactor officer on the carrier Carl Vinson

Frigate life is like no other ship in the Navy. They are completely self-sufficient. My sailors were the cream of the crop when it came to troubleshooting/repairing all the equipment we were responsible for. My division maintained all of the communications equipment, navigation and air search radars, as well as interior communications equipment. The crew size is only about 200, so in the time you are there you end up knowing every sailor by name from the CO to the youngest seaman recruit. I really liked that aspect of frigate life. Crews are also, generally speaking, “First Tour” jobs for most of the sailors. CO’s, XO’s, CMC’s, most chiefs, and most of the division officers are doing their first leadership tour on this class of ship. It tends to lead to a more tight knit communal leadership core.